Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1907 No. 24, enacted in 1907 under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902, introduced specific requirements for telephone attendants within the public service to ensure they could effectively perform their duties. This Provisional Regulation was issued due to the urgent need to establish clear standards for individuals in these roles, thereby addressing a gap in the existing regulations concerning the competency of public service employees in newly emerging roles such as telephone attendants. The enactment of this regulation aimed to ensure that those appointed to such positions were adequately trained and capable of performing their tasks efficiently. The regulation was certified by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and came into immediate operation as a Provisional Regulation, reflecting the urgency and importance of establishing these standards promptly.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulation under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902 pertains specifically to individuals appointed to the role of telephone attendant within the Commonwealth public service. The regulation mandates that every person appointed to this position must undergo a test administered by the Chief Officer or a nominee, focusing on their clearness of speech and acuteness of hearing over a telephone line, as well as their practical efficiency in operating a telephone switchboard, after three months from their appointment. Failure to pass this test results in the annulment of their appointment. Additionally, the regulation stipulates that an officer cannot be transferred or promoted to the position of telephone attendant unless they have successfully passed a similar test for clearness of speech and acuteness of hearing, and are deemed suitable for the duties involved. This regulation applies across the Commonwealth, impacting all individuals appointed to telephone attendant roles within the public service and reinforcing the qualifications and skills necessary for these positions.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of this Provisional Regulation, which is an amendment to Regulation 231 of the Public Service Regulations, establish new requirements for individuals appointed to the position of telephone attendant (paragraphs added to Regulation 231(a) and (b)). Specifically, these sections mandate that every person appointed as a telephone attendant must undergo a test three months after their appointment to assess their clearness of speech, acuteness of hearing, and practical efficiency in operating a telephone switchboard. This test must be conducted by the Chief Officer or someone nominated by them. If a person fails this test, their appointment is annulled (Regulation 231(a)(ii)). Furthermore, Regulation 231(b) stipulates that no officer can be transferred or promoted to the position of telephone attendant unless they have passed a similar test and are deemed suitable for the duties of the role. The Regulation imposes several obligations on the parties involved. Firstly, it places a duty on the Chief Officer or their nominee to administer the required tests to telephone attendants within three months of their appointment. This ensures that all individuals in these roles meet the necessary standards for clearness of speech, acuteness of hearing, and practical efficiency in operating a telephone switchboard. Additionally, the Regulation mandates that officers must pass a test similar to the one described before they can be transferred or promoted to the position of telephone attendant. This requirement ensures that only suitably qualified individuals are assigned to these roles, maintaining a certain standard of service. There are specific consequences outlined in the Regulation for failure to comply with the testing requirements. If a person appointed as a telephone attendant fails the mandated test, their appointment is annulled (Regulation 231(a)(ii)). This means that their employment in that role is terminated due to their inability to meet the necessary standards. Furthermore, Regulation 231(b) prevents officers from being transferred or promoted to the position of telephone attendant without passing the appropriate test and being deemed suitable for the role. These provisions ensure that only individuals who meet the required standards are employed in these positions, thereby upholding the quality of service expected in the public service. While the Regulation does not explicitly outline penalties for breaches, the consequences of failing the tests are severe. An appointment is annulled if the test is failed, leading to immediate termination of employment. For officers, failing to meet the criteria for transfer or promotion means they cannot assume the role of telephone attendant, potentially hindering their career progression within the public service. Although not specified in the Regulation, these outcomes represent the penalties and consequences for non-compliance with the outlined testing requirements.